“I am extremely proud to be the first Ph.D. graduate from the Economics Graduate Program at Koc University. I am currently working as an Economist/Consultant at Vega Economics, a San Francisco Bay Area based consulting firm. I attribute much of the success in my career to the education and the tools that I gained throughout my graduate program. With the support of my professors, I presented my papers at international events in Europe and USA several times. I also had the privilege to be nominated by my professors to join the Nobel Laureate Meetings in Lindau where I had the opportunity to meet and interact with Nobel Laureates in the field of Economics. This mentorship and interaction allowed me to transfer my skills and economic knowledge internationally. As part of my research, I also played an active role in managing the “Kucuk Turuncu Damla” project that was financed and managed jointly with ING Bank. Through this project, I had been given the opportunity to conduct field experiments in public schools of Istanbul. This project allowed me to apply the academic concepts and strengthen the project management skills that have been crucial to my success in my current job. Furthermore, in addition to the continuous mentoring of my advisors and the professors, the administrative team of GSSSH also actively guided me in my job market placement. I am grateful for an outstanding academic education that taught me the skills that I continue to build on every day.”

Nergis Zaim, PhD in Economics Graduate ‘15

Consultant/Economist at Vega Economics

“The Ph.D. program at Koç University was a very important step for me in academic terms. I was able to learn different theoretical and observational approaches in detail and conduct significant studies with many different researchers. Through the opportunities and incentives provided by the faculty and support on my research and trainings I was very satisfied with the PhD education I received at Koç University.”

Kerem Yıldırım, PhD in Political Science and International Relations Graduate ’17

Assitant Proffessor at Sabancı University

“I spent five years at Koç University to acquire my PhD in international relations. The scholarship provided me with countless opportunities such as meeting with and learning from high-level academicians and travelling to international conferences.
Even more important was the outstanding support which I received during those years from my PhD advisor and other faculty members.”

Gitta Glüpker Kesebir, PhD in Political Science and International Relations Graduate ’16

Referent for Statistics & Evaluation at the German National Academic Foundation

As an international student with a master’s degree from a top ten program in America, I was not sure of the quality of universities in Turkey. Offering a world class PhD program where I was able to study with some of the top researchers in the field of psychology, Koç did not disappoint me. Furthermore, Koç exceeded my expectations and provided me the opportunity to participate in projects often reserved for more senior researchers like co-designing a national study of over 3000 participants. Upon graduation, I was offered both a prestigious post doc position in America and a full faculty position at a respected university. I would like to thank Koç University and its outstanding faculty for all the support, guidance, and opportunities, as well as, for helping to mold me into the academician that I am today.